Airlines warned Icelandic volcano ash cloud could spread

Euronews

Europe has been put on alert for some travel disruption following an eruption by Iceland’s most active volcano.

Experts, however, say there is little chance of a repeat of last year’s six day closure of airspace when another Icelandic volcano erupted, although airlines have been warned the new ash cloud will drift.

So far, Iceland, particularly the towns and villages to the south and east of the Grimsvotn volcano, have suffered most. The thick cloud of ash has drifted over the capital Reykjavik, forcing the closure of the main international airport.

With winds currently blowing the ash northwards, authorities say there is little risk of any further disruption to European or transatlantic airspace over the next 24 hours. Last year’s volcanic eruption cost the airline industry around 1.2 billion euros in revenues.